Chimney Repair and Sweeping in Joliet, Illinois
Joliet has about 8,500 homes from before 1940 and nearly 13,000 built in the 2000s alone. The inspection is free.
Joliet was settled in 1833 along the Des Plaines River and changed its name from Juliet to Joliet in 1845. Local limestone built much of the old city, including the Joliet prison completed in 1858. The Joliet East Side Historic District was listed in 1980 and the Upper Bluff Historic District in 1991, and the Rialto Square Theatre still anchors downtown. The city is the seat of Will County and reaches into Kendall County.
The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 survey counts about 53,800 homes in Joliet, with a median year built of 1985. About 16 percent were built before 1940, and about 24 percent in the 2000s alone. Gas heats about 86 percent, and about 5 percent of units are in two-unit buildings. That splits our work between old brick chimneys near the river and factory-built gas units in the newer subdivisions.
Upper Bluff and East Side chimneys
The older houses on the bluff and the east side have brick chimneys with clay flues and lime mortar, many still venting a gas furnace or water heater. After a furnace upgrade, the water heater is often left alone in a flue sized for two appliances, and the exhaust condenses inside. An aluminum liner (gas only) typically costs $625–$2,250 and a stainless liner $900–$3,800.
For repointing we use mortar softer than the brick, as the National Park Service's guidance on historic masonry advises. We check what the city requires before work in a historic district and help you prepare the photos and scope. Tuckpointing typically runs $500–$2,500.
Newer subdivisions
Homes built since 2000 usually have factory-built fireplaces, many gas, under a framed chase with a metal cover. Around 78 freeze-thaw days a year (derived from NOAA 1991–2020 normals at O'Hare) rust those covers and crack brick crowns. A custom chase cover typically costs $425–$850 and minor crown repair $150–$700.
- Water-heater flues needing a liner
- Spalled brick and loose crowns on older stacks
- Gas fireplaces that won't stay lit
- Shared chimneys in two-unit buildings
Where we work in Joliet
Upper Bluff Historic District · East Side Historic District · Downtown near the Rialto · Central Joliet · West side · Far west side
FAQ
Joliet chimney questions
How much is a chimney sweep in Joliet?
We price cleanings at the free inspection and write the price down before any work.
We replaced our furnace and now the chimney has white stains. Why?
The water heater may now be venting alone into a flue that is too big for it. Its exhaust cools, condenses and wets the masonry. A liner sized to the water heater usually fixes it.
We're selling an older Joliet house. What does the disclosure form ask about the chimney?
Item 6 asks about leaks or defects in the roof, ceilings or chimney, and item 13 about defects in the fireplace or wood stove. Sellers answer from what they know. Our home-sale inspection is free and comes with photos.
When can you come?
Sunday through Friday, 8 to 11, 11 to 2 or 2 to 5. Closed Saturday. We call to confirm.
Book online
Book in Joliet. The inspection is free.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.